Susanne Ekström is a Swedish entrepreneur, world-renowned CEO coach, bestselling author, and the founder of BeASmarterLeader and SEE Management.With a clear mission-to help CEOs lead with confidence, clarity, and impact-she's guided over 6,500 leaders across the US, Canada, and Europe to stronger teams, sharper focus, and smarter results.She has a signature coaching program called ""Boost your bottom line by 499k. Delivered in 99 days.""In the past five years, Susanne has helped her clients make over 30 million more in profit.Susanne works with growth-stage CEOs of SMEs who want to: - Buy back their time so they can lead instead of being ""always on""- Design a scalable culture that people love being a part of- Create a CEO role they love - not one that drains them- Make space for innovation, strategy, & bold decisions- Build lasting trust & performance across their teamSusanne's journey began in the aftermath of the 2001 DotCom tech crash, when her startup went bankrupt.That moment shaped her path forward: helping others build strong, sustainable companies that don't just succeed-they last.Today, her work is featured in Brainz Magazine, HR Tech Outlook, The Enterprise World, and CEO Weekly. Her CEO roundtables, books, and CEO/leadership signature programs continue to shape how the next generation of leaders grow-by design, not default.
Ekström has written a book every leader should keep within arm's reach. It is practical, disciplined, and refreshingly free of jargon. Each chapter delivers clear guidance you can apply the same day, whether you are navigating change, making tough decisions, or building stronger teams. This is not a theory for the shelf; it is a manual for action. Leaders who read it will not only think differently, but they will operate differently. Kevin McDonnell, CEO Coach, Strategic Advisor & Chairman Leadership Development for Smarter Leaders is an insightful, practical, and inspiring guide for today's leaders. Ekström delivers a refreshing blend of clarity, real-world examples, and actionable tools that help leaders reclaim their time, build trust, and make decisions with confidence. The 99-day roadmap makes this book more than a read-it's a blueprint for sustainable leadership growth. A must-have for leaders who want to thrive in today's fast-paced environment. This book is your must-have playbook for becoming the kind of leader who inspires people, drives results, and thrives under pressure. Linda Fisk, Chairwoman ""You either run the day or the day runs you."" That one line captures the spirit of Leadership Development for Smarter Leaders. Instead of theory, Ekström gives real, usable tools: reclaiming time, setting boundaries, building emotional intelligence, and leading with clarity. As someone who helps people meet life's complexity with creativity, I loved how the book echoed this truth: ""Self-leadership is the root of all leadership... Strategic calm replaces constant urgency. Focus replaces overload"". If you want leadership habits that are both practical and transformative, this book delivers. Rhona McBain, Keynote Speaker & Coach As a leader, coach, consultant, and educator, I've often wanted to create a guide for my teams that speaks in plain, practical language. Something easy to grasp and even easier to apply. Exström has already done precisely that with Leadership Development for Smart Leaders. This book is straightforward, relatable, and packed with insights that actually work in real life. It bridges the gap between leadership theory and everyday practice, making it a resource anyone can pick up and immediately benefit from. For me, this book is a time-saver-I'll be buying copies for my team members and clients because it captures what I've been wanting to provide all along. If you're looking for a leadership guide that's both smart and accessible, this is it. Kelly Mitchell, Resilient Life & Leadership